Cleveland's new Horseshoe Casino, on Public Square, has the best location of the four in Ohio.Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer

Best location: Cleveland, the most centrally located of the four, within walking distance of key sports venues and entertainment districts.

Best place to listen to live music: Columbus, which has two music areas, the o.h. lounge and the Event Center (coming performers include Eddie Money on Saturday). Cincinnati may be a contender when the weather warms and the outdoor Event Plaza opens in front of the casino (the Killers kick off the summer concert series Friday,May 16, at the plaza, which the casino has dubbed "the Shoe" -- where do they think they are, Columbus?)

Best taste of the town: Cleveland, with eateries operated by Michael Symon, Rocco Whalen and Corky & Lenny's. Honorable mention goes to Cincinnati, which offers Graeter's ice cream and German fare at its Spread buffet.

Best place to spend the night: Cleveland, the only casino with attached hotels (Ritz-Carlton and the Renaissance Cleveland)

Best place to have a drink: Scene, Toledo; Rock Bar and Lounge, Cincinnati.

Best place for celebrity spotting: Columbus, Toledo. OK, so the celebs aren't here, but their stuff is: Final Cut steakhouses at both Hollywood casinos are decorated with costumes and bling from many movie A-listers, Elizabeth Taylor to Julia Roberts.

Best place to play baccarat: Cincinnati, home to an Asian Gaming Room inside the high-limit area, filled with artifacts and treasures from Liuzhou, Cincinnati's sister city in China.

Best steak: Toledo's Final Cut, recently awarded a four-star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide, the only restaurant in Ohio to receive the honor.

Best burger: B Spot, Cleveland; Bobby's Burger Palace, Cincinnati.

Best gift shop: No winner. I found very little of interest in these spaces (Horseshoe Casino saltwater taffy, really?)

Best place to watch a ballgame: Columbus, at the o.h. lounge, with lots of big screens.

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